Food notes: Oct. 17, 2012

Taste-of-ALL Charleston is offering a Taste-of-FALL at some Charleston restaurants and food vendors from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Oct. 25 to 28.

Each establishment will choose a seasonal treat and offer it for a fixed price between $2 and $7. The event is part of FestivALL, a four-day celebration of art and performances. Visit www.festivallcharleston.com, where participating restaurants will be listed.

All aboard

The South Side Depot in Petersburg will host "Autumn Splendor Dinner Train" on Saturday. Passengers will board the train at 4:30 p.m. in Petersburg and travel for about 2 1/2 hours along the scenic South Branch of the Potomac River and dine on a prime rib dinner. A wine sampling will be conducted at the depot from 2 to 4 p.m. Wines will be available for sale and can be taken on the train to drink with dinner.

Cost is $60 per person. Reservations required. Call 304-257-9264.

Jumped up concessions

Applebee's will provide the concessions for the Capital High School football game Friday when the Cougars host George Washington High School at the University of Charleston Stadium at Laidley Field. Applebee's will donate the proceeds to the CHS prom committee.

Cheese sticks, hot dogs, hamburgers, boneless wings and hot chocolate will be on the menu.

Food needed

Covenant House/Manna Meal Food Pantry is in desperate need of canned fruit and canned meats such as tuna, chicken and salmon, as well as any staple items. Drop off items between 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday and between 9 a.m. and noon and from 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday at the food pantry located at First Presbyterian Church, on the corner of Leon Sullivan Way and Virginia Street East.

Mushroom mania

West Virginia State University Extension Service will host workshops focusing on growing oyster and shiitake mushrooms from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday and Nov. 8. at the Cedar Lakes Conference Center in Ripley. Each workshop costs $10.

Optional growing kits for oyster mushrooms will be available for an additional $30. Registration is required by calling 304-541-3301 or email bcochran2@wvstateu.edu.

Reach Julie Robinson at julier@wvgazette.com or 304-348-1230 with information to be included in Food Notes.